U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced a $1.1 billion investment in airport infrastructure, terminal improvements and runway safety equipment on September 14, 2026. The Federal Aviation Administration is distributing 280 grants through the Airport Improvement Program to airports in 46 states and three territories.
The funding includes $10.9 million to equip 3,000 airport vehicles at 61 airports with vehicle movement area transmitters, or VMATs. According to the FAA, the transmitters will help air traffic controllers track vehicles on runways and taxiways and provide greater situational awareness of aircraft and vehicle movements on airport surfaces.
Major awards include $43 million for noise mitigation projects at 12 airports and $30.7 million for runway reconstruction at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Shreveport Regional Airport in Louisiana will receive $18.9 million for a terminal expansion, while Mankato Regional Airport in Minnesota will receive $11.5 million for a new contract tower.
McAllen International Airport in Texas will receive $2 million for a terminal expansion covering baggage claim, restrooms, nursing stations and ticketing counters. Airports may also use Airport Improvement Program funding for runways, taxiways, signage, lighting, markings and other safety-related infrastructure needs.
Duffy said the investment was intended to upgrade infrastructure, enhance runway safety and expand family-friendly terminal features. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said the grants would allow airports to deploy VMATs and give controllers additional tools for managing the National Airspace System.
Separately, the FAA said it received $16.5 million under the Working Families Tax Cut Act to equip all FAA airport vehicles with VMATs. That funding is distinct from the federal grant money airports can use to install the transmitters on their own vehicles.